For Biblical imagery related to the caduceus, please see 2 Timothy 3:8-9 (Jannes and Jambres). The caduceus was an ancient astrological symbol of commerce and is associated with the Greek god Hermes, the messenger for the gods, conductor of the dead and protector of merchants and thieves. Pagan Symbol: The Rod of Asclepius is…
2Ti 3:8-9 Who were Jannes and Jambres, and in what way did they oppose Moses? See Ex 7:11,22, 8:7. How is the way in which religious pretenders oppose the truth similar to the way in which Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses? See 2Ti 3:5. Are such able in their form of godliness to meet some…
2Ti 3:1-5 When are the “last days” that Paul speaks of in 2Ti 3:1? See Heb 1:1-2, 1 Jn 2:18. Did Paul consider himself and Timothy to be living in the last days? See 2Ti 3:5. Are we living in the last days? See also 2Ti 3:13, 2 Pet 3:3-4, Jude 1:18-19. What does Paul mean by…
2Ti 2:19 What is the solid foundation of God? See Lk 6:47-49, 1 Cor 3:10-11, Eph 2:20. What is the purpose of an official seal upon something? What is the seal upon the solid foundation of God, and what does it authenticate? What is the significance of Paul’s statement in 2Ti 2:19 in light of the…
2Ti 2:14-16 What are “these things” that Paul exhorts Timothy to “keep reminding” (NIV) people about? See 2Ti 2:11-13 and confer 1 Tim 4:7-11 (esp. 2Ti 2:11), Tit 3:3-8 (esp. 2Ti 2:8). With what three other admonitions does Paul charge Timothy in 2Ti 2:14-16? How are they related? Think: if people are religious but do not…
2Ti 2:8-10 What two aspects of the gospel message does Paul emphasize in 2Ti 2:8 to Timothy, and why is each of central importance? See 1 Cor 15:17; Ps 132:11, Is 9:6-7, 11:1-5, Lk 1:31-33, Acts 2:25-32, Rom 1:3-4. What was the result to Paul of proclaiming that gospel? See 2Ti 2:9. How were his present…
2Ti 2:1-3 What does the word “therefore” in 2Ti 2:1 refer back to? See 2Ti 1:8,12-14. In light of the external persecution that had arisen against the Christians, with what three things does Paul exhort Timothy in these verses? As opposed to being strong in himself, what does Paul encourage Timothy to be strong in? …
2Ti 1:8-14 For what all important reason does Paul say in 2Ti 1:9 that we ought not to be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord? See Mk 8:38. In what way is being called with a holy calling inseparably linked to being saved? See 2 Thess 2:13-14, 1 Pet 1:15-16. Is it because we are holy…
2Ti 1:3-5 How does Paul communicate his fond affection for Timothy in these verses? See also 2Ti 1:2, 1 Cor 4:17, Phil 2:19-22, 1 Tim 1:2. What words in 2Ti 1:3 and 5 communicate the substance of true religion? See also Acts 23:1, 24:16, 1 Tim 1:5. How often did Paul pray, and how should he be an…
Background: After Paul’s release from his first Roman imprisonment in 62 a.d. he returned to Asia where he left Timothy in Ephesus before continuing on to Macedonia (1 Tim 1:3, c. 63 a.d.) He also ministered on the island of Crete with Titus before continuing on to Nicopolis on the northwestern coast of Greece to spend…